Did you know?

March is Women's History Month! Read more at http://womenshistorymonth.gov/.

Ruby Fund assists sisters in dire need

The Ruby Fund, also known as the "heart" of AOII, is available for sisters who are in dire need. Since 1946, the fund has assisted over 300 AOII sisters.

All requests and awards remain confidential and are handled by the Foundation's Ruby Fund Committee. Assistance in the form of a grant is given to designated recipients.

Please call the Foundation at (615) 695-2626 or e-mail the Foundation, if you or a fellow AOII sister is in need of assistance. For more information on the Ruby Fund or to make a donation to the fund visit the Foundation website.

Long-time AOII Executive Director to Retire

After 18 years of serving as the Executive Director of Alpha Omicron Pi, Melanie Lampertz will soon retire. The long-time leader will complete her professional tenure with the organization June 30, 2009—the end of AOII’s biennium.

Lampertz began volunteering with the organization thirty years ago. She served in several roles on the Executive Board before coming on staff for AOII twenty-two years ago. During this time, Lampertz has seen the organization through significant growth, the building of a new Fraternity headquarters, the creation of AOII Properties, Inc, two structure changes, the planning of all International Conventions, Leadership Institutes, and Leadership Academies, and the implementation of an overall strategic plan. Lampertz has also effectively managed and developed a team of staff to support Fraternity goals.

“I will remain wholeheartedly committed to this organization, its standards of excellence, its legacy, and the women who define our purpose,” said Lampertz. “In addition, it gives me great pleasure to leave my professional tenure with the organization healthy and thriving. This milestone in my life comes with much thought, but also much excitement as I anticipate enjoying retirement with my family and grandchildren.”

Lampertz has also served as a champion for all Greeks through her dedication and commitment to the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), the Executive Directors Association (EDA), and the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG). Through her roles as the President of the EDA and FIPG, the FEA Awards Chair, FEA Program Chair, and a Director for the FEA Executive Board, Lampertz has remained committed to the development of the entire Greek community.

“Over the years, Alpha Omicron Pi has enjoyed so many accomplishments, and we are very grateful of the dedication and hard work that Melanie brought to the organization to advance our mission,” said Susan Danko, International President of Alpha Omicron Pi. “We will miss her, and wish her much happiness as she begins a new phase of her life.”

Founder's Day 2009 - Afternoon Tea & Dessert

What a lovely Founder's Day! On January 25, AOII alums and collegiates gathered at Cherokee Country Club for an Afternoon Tea & Dessert. In fact, so many alums attended that we had to bring in extra chairs!

The 45-minute program began with opening remarks from Alumnae Chapter President Tyra Tucker Haag (Omicron '00). Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) was the featured speaker and drove all the way Louisville, KY to deliver an inspirational speech. Omicron Song Leader Anne Buckle led a beautiful rendition of AOII Grace. Everyone was treated to an assortment of delicious food, including chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, brownies, sandwiches and tea.

Alumnae Chapter Vice-President Katy Wilson Bibee (Omicron '99) asked attendees to donate to the AOII Ruby Fund--the heart of AOII. It is with pleasure that $380 will be sent to Headquarters to help sisters in great need. Erin Hutchinson (Omicron '01), Alumnae Chapter Awards Chair, recognized Omicron's 50-year members and gave plaques to this year's Outstanding Alumna and Outstanding Citizen Award recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell and Betty Chastain Emery were honored as the 2008-2009 Outstanding Alums. Peggy Howard was awarded the 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen Award. For more details on these sweet sisters, please read the blog posts below.

Vice President of Academic Development Stephanie Selecman announced the 2009 Cozart Scholarship winners. New Member Educator Alissa Ralph introduced the 2008 Omicron pledge class, followed by a re-cap of Recruitment by Wendy Crenshaw, Vice-President of Membership Recruitment. Omicron Chapter President Micah Johnson delivered the State of the Chapter address and Lauren Zaller (Omicron '03) gave an exciting update about progress on the AOII Capital Campaign.

What a special afternoon shared by sisters near and far. We missed those of you who could not be with us and look forward to seeing you next year!

Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) featured speaker at Founder's Day 2009

At just 17 years old, Sara came to UT in the Fall of '99 from Louisville, KY. She quickly became someone all the girls looked up to in the chapter and on campus. Her major leadership roles included Chapter Relations Chair and ultimately Chapter President. She graduated from UT with honors, married her high school sweetheart Chris Burke, finished law school and on Oct. 5, 2007 welcomed her first child into the world--Sidney (a future AOII!) Sara is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Sara is an exceptional example of what it means to live "AOII for a lifetime.” She continually supports AOII, is a true woman of character and lets her light shine everywhere she goes.

Betty Chastain Emery named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

Betty Chastain Emery is someone who truly exemplifies AOII for a lifetime. Her nominator wrote that she is always ready to help with just about anything anyone asks her to do. She has been pro-AOII forever and keeps in touch with her AOII sisters far and near. She has a true philanthropic spirit, too and volunteers at East Tennessee Children's Hospital nearly every day. During Recruitment time each year, she sends in Recs and has assisted the Building Committee by calling alums, writing letters and going on visits to request financial support to help make a "House for Omicron" a reality. She also visits older alums to lift their spirits or even take them a meal. What a role model and caring sister we have in Betty Chastain Emery!

Ellie Wilson Whitesell named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

The Outstanding Alumna award is to honor a member of the local Knoxville Alumnae Chapter...someone who has gone above and beyond for AOII locally. This year, we have two recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell has been involved in the Alumnae Chapter for several years, but for the past three years has been dedicated to a specific endeavor--our annual Bar-B-Q. With her knack for always knowing how to get things done, it's no wonder why our BBQ has been so successful over the years because of her leadership. She's also been gracious with her time, helping to chaperone date parties and formals. So thank you, Ellie Wilson Whitesell for always putting a smile on our faces, but more importantly, for everything you do for our chapter!